Ex-Tennessee lawmaker sent to prison

NASHVILLE, Sept. 30 (UPI) -- Former Tennessee state Sen. John Ford was sentenced Tuesday to another 14 years in federal prison for taking money from state contractors.

The 66-year-old Democrat is already in prison for another conviction related to taking bribes from government contractors, The (Nashville) Tennessean reported.

U.S. District Judge Todd Campbell sentenced Ford to a total of 19 years: 14 for wire fraud and five for concealing facts. He will serve only 14 because the terms will be served concurrently.

Ford's sentence will begin after he finishes the 5 1/2-year sentence he began serving in April.

Federal prosecutor David Rivera said while Ford was lining his pockets, he owed more than $30,000 in back child support.

"I hope (this sentence) goes a long way toward restoring the strength of the public's confidence in government," Rivera was quoted by the newspaper as saying.